Lions through to the quarter-finals of the Sussex Bowl

In a match that was played with ambition despite the windy conditions at Coolhurst ground, both sides attempted to play a style of rugby that was admiral with Horsham out scoring Lewes 2's three tries to one.

Despite playing with the wind in the first half Horsham did not make use of it, instead decided to pass the ball wide to make use of their pacey backline to some effect. However the power that the Horsham pack displayed was impressive in setting up a number of opportunities for scores. The first try of the game from a wonderful outside break by Richard Henderson, who then drew the Lewes fullback in to offload to Pete Summers who’s pace outstripped the cover defence to touch down in the corner. Although Lewes countered Horsham’s attacks they were unable to penetrate the Lions line. Lions second try came from a counter to a Lewes chip kick over the Horsham defensive line that was collected by James Layzell whose foot work beat a number of Lewes defenders to drive deep into the Lewes 22 from the ruck. The Lions had an overlap and through excellent hands the ball made its way out to Jerry Downey whose pace and outstripped the Lewes covering defence to score in the corner for the second try of the game.

The second half was played in the same vein as the first half but Lewes seemed to have been reinvigorated by their coach’s half time talk and came back strong against the Lions. Within the first ten minutes of the half, the Lewes attacked through powerful runners with a number making breaks only to be taken down by last ditch tackles from the Lions defence, yet this was to fail with a powerful run from the Lewes number 8, who broke a number of tackles to power over the try line. The Lions in response scored what could be the try of the match through Jerry Downey, who made a wonderful outside break and showed a power to push off a number of defender to which then he showed his pace to outstrip the rest of the Lewes defence to score under the post, with the try being converted by Josh Chalk.

Manager of the Lions Andrew Layzell reflected on excellent performance by his side, ‘I think that there was a lot of positives to take away from the game, our defence at times was superb with special mention to Jordan Smith whose power in the tackle was in evidence today, the scrum was powerful with Liam Brady showing power and technique to on regular occasion to push his opposite number back. We also showed some really good flair in the backline to create the chances to score.
Man of the match was Liam Brady for his all-round game in and out of the scrum, his powerful running and tackling in the loose
set an example for the rest of the team.’

Horsham Lions next game is against Heathfield & Waldron 2's next week at home.